U.S. patent application number 17/148288 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for cutter and kit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. Invention is credited to Steven W. Hyma, Matthew W. Naiva, Derek Rose.
Application Number | 20210170506 17/148288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005417384 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hyma; Steven W. ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
Cutter and Kit
Abstract
A cutter and a kit. The cutter, such as a close quarters cutter,
is operable to cut a work piece extending along an axis and
includes a cutting wheel, a roller, and a housing assembly
supporting the cutting wheel and the roller for movement about the
axis in a cutting direction to cut the work piece. The housing
assembly has a generally cylindrical outer surface engageable by a
user to pivot the cutter about the axis. A grip portion is provided
on the outer surface and includes a plurality of grip members. Each
grip member includes, relative to the cutting direction, a trailing
surface and a leading surface extending from the outer surface. The
leading surface may be angled toward the cutting direction.
Inventors: |
Hyma; Steven W.; (Milwaukee,
WI) ; Naiva; Matthew W.; (Wauwatosa, WI) ;
Rose; Derek; (Menomonee Falls, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation |
Brookfield |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005417384 |
Appl. No.: |
17/148288 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15758930 |
Mar 9, 2018 |
10919098 |
|
|
PCT/US2016/051982 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
|
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17148288 |
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62218945 |
Sep 15, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/006 20130101;
B23D 21/08 20130101; B25G 1/102 20130101; B25G 1/10 20130101; B26D
3/169 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B23D 21/08 20060101
B23D021/08; B25G 1/10 20060101 B25G001/10; B26D 3/16 20060101
B26D003/16 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A cutter kit comprising: a first cutter including a first
cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to cut a
first work piece, and a first housing assembly supporting the first
cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the first housing
assembly having a first outer surface and defining a first opening
operable to receive the first work piece; a second cutter including
a second cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to
cut a second work piece, and a second housing assembly supporting
the second cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the second
housing assembly having a second outer surface and defining a
second opening operable to receive the second work piece; and a
case assembly including a first receptacle having a first wall
defining a first recess to receive the first cutter and a first
post positionable in the first opening, the first wall and the
first post cooperating to releasably retain the first cutter, and a
second receptacle having a second wall defining a second recess to
receive the second cutter and a second post positionable in the
second opening, the second wall and the second post cooperating to
releasably retain the second cutter.
28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the first opening is elongated and
extends from the first outer surface generally radially-inwardly,
and wherein the first post is elongated.
29. The kit of claim 27, wherein a portion of the first cutting
wheel extends into the opening, and wherein the first post has a
recess to receive the portion of the first cutting wheel.
30. The kit of claim 27, wherein the first cutter is operable to
cut a first work piece having a first diameter, and wherein the
second cutter is operable to cut a second work piece having a
second diameter, the second diameter being different than the first
diameter.
31. The kit of claim 27, wherein the case assembly includes an
outer case assembly, and an insert supported by the outer case
assembly, the insert providing the first receptacle and the second
receptacle.
32. The kit of claim 31, wherein the outer case assembly includes a
first case half and a second case half, wherein the insert is a
first insert and is supported by one of the first case half and the
second case half, and wherein the kit further comprises a second
insert supported by the other of the first case half, the second
insert providing a component support.
33. The kit of claim 32, further comprising a reamer pen
supportable by the component support.
34. The kit of claim 32, further comprising a replacement cutting
wheel supportable by the component support.
35. The kit of claim 31, wherein the insert is a first insert and
is removably supported by the outer case assembly, and wherein the
case assembly further includes a second insert removably
supportable by the outer case assembly, the second insert replacing
the first insert.
36. A cutter kit comprising: a first cutter including a first
cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to cut a
first work piece, and a first housing assembly supporting the first
cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the first housing
assembly having a first outer surface and defining a first opening
operable to receive the first work piece; a second cutter including
a second cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to
cut a second work piece, and a second housing assembly supporting
the second cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the second
housing assembly having a second outer surface and defining a
second opening operable to receive the second work piece; and a
case assembly including a first receptacle having a first wall
defining a first recess to receive the first cutter and a first
post positionable in the first opening, the first wall releasably
retaining the first cutter, the first post comprising an outer
surface having a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the second
outer surface of the second cutter, and a second receptacle having
a second wall defining a second recess to receive the second
cutter, the second wall releasably retaining the second cutter.
37. The kit of claim 36, the second receptacle comprising a second
post positionable in the second opening.
38. The kit of claim 37, the kit comprising a third cutter
including a third cutting wheel selectively engageable with and
operable to cut a third work piece; and a third housing assembly
supporting the third cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the
third housing assembly having a third outer surface and defining a
third opening operable to receive the third work piece; wherein the
second post comprises an outer surface having a diameter
corresponding to a diameter of the third outer surface of the third
cutter.
39. The kit of claim 36, wherein a portion of the first cutting
wheel extends into the opening, and wherein the first post has a
recess to receive the portion of the first cutting wheel.
40. The kit of claim 36, wherein the first cutter is operable to
cut a first work piece having a first diameter, and wherein the
second cutter is operable to cut a second work piece having a
second diameter, the second diameter being different than the first
diameter.
41. The kit of claim 36, wherein the case assembly includes an
outer case assembly, and an insert supported by the outer case
assembly, the insert providing the first receptacle and the second
receptacle.
42. A cutter kit comprising: a first cutter including a first
cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to cut a
first work piece, and a first housing assembly supporting the first
cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the first housing
assembly having a first outer surface and defining a first opening
operable to receive the first work piece; a second cutter including
a second cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to
cut a second work piece, and a second housing assembly supporting
the second cutting wheel for movement about an axis, the second
housing assembly having a second outer surface and defining a
second opening operable to receive the second work piece; and a
case assembly including an outer case assembly; a first receptacle,
the first receptacle having a first wall defining a first recess to
receive the first cutter, the first wall releasably retaining the
first cutter; a second receptacle, the second receptacle having a
second wall defining a second recess to receive the second cutter,
the second wall releasably retaining the second cutter; and an
insert removably supported by the outer case assembly, the insert
providing the first receptacle and the second receptacle.
43. The kit of claim 42, the first receptacle comprising a first
post positionable in the first opening, the second receptacle
comprising a second post positionable in the second opening.
44. The kit of claim 43, the first wall and the first post
cooperating to releasably retain the first cutter, and the second
wall and the second post cooperating to releasably retain the
second cutter.
45. The kit of claim 43, wherein a portion of the first cutting
wheel extends into the opening, and wherein the first post has a
recess to receive the portion of the first cutting wheel.
46. The kit of claim 43, the first post comprising an outer surface
having a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the second outer
surface of the second cutter.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/758,930, filed Mar. 9, 2018, which is a
national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International
Application No. PCT/US2016/051982, filed Sep. 15, 2016, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/218,945, filed Sep. 15, 2015, the entire contents of each of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to cutters and, more
specifically, to a close quarters cutter and a kit of cutters,
accessories and/or parts.
SUMMARY
[0003] Cutters and, more specifically, close quarters cutters, are
employed for cutting thin walled cylindrical work pieces.
Typically, the cutters include a housing defining an opening for
receiving a work piece. The housing pivotally supports a pair of
spaced rollers for supporting a work piece to be cut and a cutting
wheel for cutting the work piece by rotating the housing relative
to the work piece. The cutting wheel is biased by, for example, a
spring member that automatically progressively advances the cutting
wheel towards the rollers and into engagement with the work piece
as the housing is rotated, creating a score line about the work
piece that is incrementally deepened until the work piece is
eventually severed into two lengths.
[0004] During cutting of the work piece, material is displaced as
the score line is created. The displaced material creates an
annular ridge adjacent the score line that has a greater diameter
than the outer surface of the work piece. This displaced material
can urge the rollers away from the outer surface and impede
rotation of the cutter around the work piece.
[0005] Often the work piece that is cut is a pipe or conduit
containing a fluid, such as water. The housing of the cutter is
typically made of two halves that, when connected, define a cavity
in which the rollers, the cutting wheel, and the spring member are
at least partially contained. Once the pipe is cut, the water in
the pipe may enter the cavity of the cutter. This water may remain
in the cavity and cause corrosion or degradation of the rollers,
the cutting wheel, the spring member, etc.
[0006] In one independent aspect, a cutter, such as a close
quarters cutter, is operable to cut a work piece extending along an
axis. The cutter may generally include a cutting wheel selectively
engageable with and operable to cut the work piece; and a housing
assembly supporting the cutting wheel for movement about the axis
in a cutting direction to cut the work piece, the housing assembly
having a generally cylindrical outer surface engageable by a user
to pivot the cutter about the axis, a grip portion being on the
outer surface and including a plurality of grip members, each grip
member including, relative to the cutting direction, a trailing
surface and a leading surface extending from the outer surface, the
leading surface being angled toward the cutting direction.
[0007] In another independent aspect, a cutter may generally
include a cutting wheel selectively engageable with and operable to
cut the work piece; and a housing assembly supporting the cutting
wheel for movement about the axis, the housing assembly including a
generally cylindrical outer wall and side walls defining an opening
receiving the work piece, the outer wall and the side walls
cooperating to define a cavity in which the cutting wheel is at
least partially supported, the housing assembly defining a
plurality of circumferentially-spaced openings communicating
between the cavity and an exterior of the cutter.
[0008] In yet another independent aspect, a cutter may generally
include a housing assembly; a cutting wheel supported by the
housing assembly for movement about the axis, the cutting wheel
being selectively engageable with and operable to cut the work
piece; a roller selectively engageable with the work piece, the
roller having a generally cylindrical roller surface and an annular
groove having a concave surface extending into the roller
surface.
[0009] In still yet another independent aspect, a cutter kit may
generally include a first cutter including a first cutting wheel
selectively engageable with and operable to cut a first work piece,
and a first housing assembly supporting the first cutting wheel for
movement about an axis, the first housing assembly having a first
outer surface and defining a first opening operable to receive the
first work piece; a second cutter including a second cutting wheel
selectively engageable with and operable to cut a second work
piece, and a second housing assembly supporting the second cutting
wheel for movement about an axis, the second housing assembly
having a second outer surface and defining a second opening
operable to receive the second work piece; and a case assembly
including a first receptacle having a first wall defining a first
recess to receive the first cutter and a first post positionable in
the first opening, the first wall and the first post cooperating to
releasably retain the first cutter, and a second receptacle having
a second wall defining a second recess to receive the second cutter
and a second post positionable in the second opening, the second
wall and the second post cooperating to releasably retain the
second cutter.
[0010] Other independent features and independent aspects of the
invention will become apparent by consideration of the following
detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The application file contains at least one drawing executed
in color.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of kit of cutters,
accessories and or parts.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the kit of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view of one side of a cutter, such as a close
quarters cutter.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of the other side the cutter of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the cutter of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the cutter of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cutter of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of the cutter of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front bottom perspective view of the cutter of
FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front top perspective view of the cutter of
FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a rear top perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
3.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a rear bottom perspective view of the cutter FIG.
3.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
3.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
3.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
3.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
3.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a side view of the cutter of FIG. 3 with a
housing portion removed to illustrate a cutting mechanism.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the cutter as shown in
FIG. 17.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a view of one side of an alternative construction
of a cutter, such as a close quarters cutter.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a view of the other side the cutter of FIG.
19.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a front view of the cutter of FIG. 19.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the cutter of FIG. 19.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the cutter of FIG. 19.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a top view of the cutter of FIG. 19.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a front bottom perspective view of the cutter of
FIG. 19.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a front top perspective view of the cutter of
FIG. 19.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a rear top perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
19.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a rear bottom perspective view of the cutter FIG.
19.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
19.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
19.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
19.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
19.
[0044] FIG. 33 is a view of one side of another alternative
construction of a cutter, such as a close quarters cutter.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a view of the other side the cutter of FIG.
33.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a front view of the cutter of FIG. 33.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a rear view of the cutter of FIG. 33.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the cutter of FIG. 33.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a top view of the cutter of FIG. 33.
[0050] FIG. 39 is a front bottom perspective view of the cutter of
FIG. 33.
[0051] FIG. 40 is a front top perspective view of the cutter of
FIG. 33.
[0052] FIG. 41 is a rear top perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
33.
[0053] FIG. 42 is a rear bottom perspective view of the cutter FIG.
33.
[0054] FIG. 43 is a front perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
33.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
33.
[0056] FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
33.
[0057] FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the cutter of FIG.
33.
[0058] FIGS. 47A-47B illustrate operation of a cutter, such as a
close quarters cutter.
[0059] FIGS. 48A-48C illustrate operation of a cutter, such as a
close quarters cutter.
[0060] FIGS. 49A-49D are views of yet another alternative
construction of a cutter, such as a close quarters cutter.
[0061] FIGS. 50A-50B are views of a further alternative
construction of a cutter, such as a close quarters cutter, and
illustrate operation of the cutter.
[0062] FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of a case assembly of
the kit of FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 52 is a rear perspective view of the case assembly of
FIG. 51.
[0064] FIG. 53 is a top view of the case assembly of FIG. 51.
[0065] FIG. 54 is a front perspective view of inserts for the case
assembly of FIG. 51.
[0066] FIG. 55 is a rear perspective view of the inserts of FIG.
54.
[0067] FIG. 56 is a top view of the inserts of FIG. 54.
[0068] FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of an outer case of the
case assembly of FIG. 51.
[0069] FIG. 58 is a top view of the outer case of FIG. 57.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] Before any independent embodiments of the invention are
explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
the arrangement of components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention
is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced
or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0071] Use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof
as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of
"consisting of" and variations thereof as used herein is meant to
encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents
thereof.
[0072] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a kit 10 including one or more
cutter(s) 14A, 14B, 14C . . . 14n, cutting accessories (e.g., a
reamer pen 18) and/or parts (e.g., one or more replacement blade(s)
22). The kit 10 includes a case assembly 26 operable to support the
cutter(s) 14A . . . 14n, accessories and/or parts. In the
illustrated construction, the kit 10 includes cutters 14A-14C for
cutting tubing, pipes, other work pieces, etc. of various sizes
(e.g., 1'', 3/4'', 1/2'', as shown in FIGS. 1-2). In other
constructions (not shown), the kit 10 may include fewer or more
cutters, cutters with different characteristics (e.g., size,
material to be cut, etc.), different (in number or type)
accessories and/or parts.
[0073] FIGS. 3-18 illustrate one construction of the cutter 14A,
such as a close quarters cutter for a 1'' work piece. FIGS. 19-32
and 33-46 illustrate alternative constructions of the cutter 14B,
14C (e.g., for a3/4'' work piece and for a1/2'' work piece,
respectively), and common elements have the same reference number
"B" and "C", respectively. FIGS. 49A-49D and 50A-50B illustrate
additional alternative constructions of a cutter 14D, 14E, and
common elements have the same reference number "D" and "E",
respectively.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 3-18, each cutter 14 includes a cutting
wheel 30, one or more rollers 34, and a housing assembly 38
supporting the cutting wheel 30 and the roller(s) 34 for movement
about (see FIG. 47B) the axis A of a work piece W in a cutting
direction D to cut the work piece W.
[0075] The housing assembly 38 is formed by two housing halves 40
(one shown in FIGS. 17-18) providing support structure for the
cutting wheel 30 and the roller(s) 34. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the
housing assembly 38 has a generally cylindrical outer wall 42 and
side walls 46 defining an opening 50 for receiving the work piece
W. An inner wall 48 extends between the side walls 46 around the
opening 50.
[0076] The outer wall 42 provides an outer surface 43 engageable by
a user to pivot the cutter 14A about the axis A. A grip portion 54
is provided on (e.g., formed on) the outer surface 43 of the
cylindrical outer wall 42 and includes a plurality grip members 58
spaced about the circumference of the cylindrical outer wall 42.
The illustrated grip portion 54 provides an indication of the
cutting direction (the direction to rotate the cutter 14A) to cut
the work piece W.
[0077] Each grip member 58 includes, relative to the cutting
direction D, a trailing surface 62 and a leading surface 66
extending from the outer surface 43 to an outer end (e.g., a
point). In the illustrated construction, the leading surface 66 is
angled toward the cutting direction D while the trailing surface 62
extends substantially radially. As shown in FIG. 3, an angle 64 is
defined between the leading surface 66 and the trailing surface 62,
and, in the illustrated construction, the angle 64 is between
approximately 45 degrees and approximately 75 degrees (e.g.,
approximately 63 degrees, as illustrated).
[0078] In other constructions, such as the cutter 14D of FIGS.
49A-49D, the trailing surface 62D and the leading surface 66D
extend to and are connected by an intermediate surface 68, which is
generally tangential to the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical
outer wall 42. In such constructions, the trailing surface 62D and
the leading surface 66D are substantially parallel, but in other
constructions, may be angled relative to each other.
[0079] In other constructions, the grip members 58 may be arranged
in another manner to indicate the cutting direction. For example,
in some constructions, such as the cutter 14E of FIGS. 50A-50B, the
grip members 58E of the grip portion 54E may be arranged in an
"echelon" pattern. Specifically, each of the grip members 58E has
two mirror portions 72 angled relative to each other so as to point
in the cutting direction D. In the illustrated construction, the
portions 72 form an angle between approximately 115 degrees and
approximately 175 degrees (e.g., approximately 145 degrees, as
illustrated).
[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, a separate cutting direction indicator
(e.g., an arrow 60) and other indicators (e.g., a "1" to indicate
size) may be provided. In the illustrated construction, the arrow
60 and other indicators are defined by raised surfaces extending
outwardly from at least one of the side walls 46. In other
constructions (not shown), the arrow 60 and/or the other indicators
may be recessed into or provided directly on at least one of the
side walls 46.
[0081] When the two housing halves 40 of the housing assembly 38
are connected, the outer wall 42, the side walls 46, and the inner
wall 48 cooperate to define a cavity 70 in which the cutting wheel
30 and the roller(s) 34 are at least partially supported. The
cutting wheel 30 extends through a cutting wheel opening 76 defined
through the inner wall 48, and the rollers 34 extend through
corresponding roller openings 80 defined through the inner wall 48.
The cutting wheel opening 76 and the roller openings 80 are
circumferentially spaced about the cylindrical inner wall 48.
[0082] In the illustrated construction, each side wall 46 defines a
plurality of circumferentially-spaced drain openings 74
communicating between the cavity 70 and the exterior of the cutter
14A. As shown in FIG. 47B, any fluid F which enters the cavity 70
(e.g., from inside the work piece W being cut and entering through
at least one of the cutting wheel opening 76 and the roller
openings 80) will drain through the openings 74.
[0083] When not in use (see FIGS. 1-2), the cutter 14A is generally
positioned on its side, and the side wall openings 74 facilitate
drainage from the housing assembly 38. Each side wall 46 has
axially-raised surfaces 84 (see FIGS. 5 and 9) extending around an
outer periphery of the side wall 46 so that the cutter 14A does not
rest in any drained fluid F and so that a support surface (e.g., a
work table, the case assembly, etc.) does not block the openings
74. The raised surfaces 84 may include the arrow 60 and/or
additional indicators to help support the side wall 46 away from
the support surface. The openings 74 are positioned (see FIG. 17)
proximate the inner surface 44 of the outer wall 42 so that a
channel is not formed between the side walls 46 that would retain
fluid F when the cutter 14A rests on the outer wall 42.
[0084] In other constructions (such as the cutter 14E of Figs.
SOA-50B), in addition to or as an alternative to the openings 74,
openings 74E are circumferentially spaced on the cylindrical outer
wall 42E. In such constructions, the openings 74E are centrally
located on the cylindrical outer wall 42E along the cutting axis
A.
[0085] In addition or as an alternative to the direction-indicating
grip members 58, the openings 74 are shaped and/or oriented (see
FIGS. 3-4) to indicate the cutting direction D. The illustrated
openings 74 are angled in the same direction as the leading surface
66. In other constructions, the openings 74 may be constructed
and/or arranged in another manner (e.g., arrow-shaped openings 74E
as shown in Figs. SOA-50B) to provide an indication of the cutting
direction D.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 48C, the cutting wheel 30 is oriented in a
plane P transverse to the cutting axis A Each roller 34 has a
generally cylindrical roller surface, and an annular groove 78 is
defined in the roller surface. The groove 78 has a concave surface
82 extending into in the roller surface. In the illustrated
construction, each roller 34 is supported with the groove 78
overlapping the plane P. The groove 78 provides clearance for
material M of the work piece W displaced during cutting, with the
curve of the concave surface 82 being spaced from the material M.
In other constructions (not shown), the roller(s) 34 may also
define a groove spaced from the plane P, for example, configured to
receive a pipe flange.
[0087] The cutting wheel 30 and the roller(s) 34 are components of
a cutting mechanism 86 for the cutter 14A. In the illustrated
construction (see FIGS. 17-18), the cutting mechanism 86 is similar
to the mechanism described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
4,831,732, issued May 23, 1989, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference. Generally, the cutting wheel 30
is spring-biased into engagement with the surface of the work piece
W to be cut.
[0088] To cut the work piece W, the work piece Wis positioned in
the opening 50 and supported by the roller(s) 34, while the cutting
wheel 30 is pushed out of the way to accommodate the work piece Win
the opening 50. However, the cutting wheel 30 is biased into
engagement with the outer surface of the work piece W by a spring
member 92 (see FIGS. 17-18) supported by the housing assembly 40
and within the cavity 70. The cutter 14A is pivoted about the work
piece W, and the cutting wheel 30 cuts the outer surface. As shown
in FIG. 48C, displaced material fits in the groove 78 in each
roller 34 so that movement is not impeded or adversely affected. As
the cutter 14A is rotated and the outer surface of the work piece W
is cut, the cutting wheel 30 is forced deeper into the surface of
the work piece W by the spring member 92.
[0089] While not shown, the outer wall 42 may define a slot to
receive and accommodate the cutting wheel 30 as it is pressed
radially outwardly by the work piece W. This arrangement may, for
example, reduce the outer diameter of the housing assembly 38
and/or increase the possible cutting range of the cutter 14A.
[0090] If there is fluid (e.g., standing water) in the work piece W
(see FIGS. 478 and 508), when the outer surface of the work piece
is pierced, the fluid F leaks into the housing assembly 38, through
the cutting wheel opening 76 and/or the roller openings 80 defined
in the outer wall 42. The fluid F drains from the cavity 70 through
the openings 74 during cutting and when the cutter 14A is not in
use.
[0091] As mentioned above, the illustrated kit 10 (see FIGS. 1-2)
includes the cutters 14A, 148, 14C, accessories (e.g., a reamer pen
18), replacement parts (e.g., replacement blade(s) 22), etc. The
case assembly 26 supports these kit components. As shown in FIGS.
51-58, the case assembly 26 includes an outer case 90 having two
halves hinged together to open and close. One or more inserts 94,
98 (e.g., a cutter support insert 94 and an accessory/part support
insert 98) are supported by the outer case 90 and are constructed
to support and retain the kit components. The inserts 94, 98
include a number of component supports 102 (e.g., spring clips,
spring arms, movable retainer members, frictional surfaces, etc.)
for supporting and retaining the components provided with the kit
10 or in a desired configuration of the kit 10.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 54, the component supports 102 of the
cutter support insert 94 include receptacles 103A, 1038, 103C with
a series of cutter support posts or projections 104A, 1048, 104C.
Each projection 104A, 1048, 104C has one or more recesses to
receive the associated cutting wheel 30 and/or roller 34. Each
projection 104A, 1048, 104C may have an indicator (e.g., a recessed
or raised "1", "3/4", and "1/2") to indicate which cutter 14A, 148,
14C should be placed on the projection 104A, 1048, 104C, or for
identifying and selecting a cutter 14A, 148, 14C received on the
projection 104A, 1048, 104C.
[0093] Each of the cutter support projections 104A, 1048, 104C is
sized to frictionally receive the opening 50A, 508, SOC of a
corresponding one of the cutters 14A, 148, 14C to support and
retain the cutters 14A, 148, 14C. In the illustrated construction,
the outer wall of each receptacle 103 cooperates with the
corresponding projection 104 to releasably retain the associated
cutter 14 (e.g., with a friction fit). In other constructions, the
outer wall of the receptacle 103 or the corresponding projection
104 may releasably retain the cutter 14 without cooperation from
the other structure. In still other constructions (not shown),
different retainer structure (e.g., a pivoting bayonet, a latch,
etc.) may be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the
friction fit.
[0094] A projection (e.g., the projection 104A, 1048) may also have
a surface (e.g., an arcuate surface 1 OBA, 1088) with a diameter
corresponding to the outer diameter of the adjacent cutter (e.g.,
the cutter 148, 14C, respectively) such that, as shown in FIGS.
1-2, the cutters 14A, 148, 14C nest when received on the
projections 104A, 1048, 104C. Thus, the size of the case assembly
26 may be minimized.
[0095] The illustrated inserts 94, 98 are removably connected to
the outer case 90 by inter-engaging connectors 106 (see FIGS. 54
and 57). The inserts 94, 98 may be exchanged with other inserts
(not shown) for different kit components to re-configure the kit
10. The inserts 94, 98 may be removed from the outer case 90 and
stored with the supported kit components (e.g., in a work shop) and
re-installed for transport, storage, etc. of the kit
components.
[0096] One or more independent features and/or independent
advantages of the invention may be set forth in the claims.
* * * * *